10 Upbeat Quotes To Help You Manage The Day From Hell

Every woman faces challenges at some point, no matter how happy or well-ordered her life is. When daily life starts feeling hard, we each have a choice — to either step up as the strong women we are and embrace the day (bumps and all), or play small and hide from things that push our comfort zones.

We know embracing the challenge is the "right" thing to do, but, if we're honest — that's easier said than done. Some days, we just need more than a morning coffee, hot shower and can-do attitude to amp up our "boldly embrace life" mindset.

Regardless of how strong, capable and confident you are, sometimes doubts creep in. And your heart (brain, and body) start to feel weary.

So, wonderful women — for the days when life makes you wobble a bit or your confidence falters, I offer these words of wisdom!

Here are 10 inspirational quotes to help you walk tall and keep on being the bold, beautiful woman you are when the world feels a bit challenging:

1. On keeping other people's opinions in check

"You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes, the only one that criticizes us is our own inner voice. When you start to feel insecure, remind yourself other people are probably so busy focusing on their own life, they're not even paying attention to yours. We all have highs and lows.

2. On facing obstacles

"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." — Sir Edmund Hillary

Every challenge on your plate is "figureoutable." Usually, the biggest obstacle in our way is our own mindset. Remember, with every challenge, we encounter opportunities to understand ourselves better.

Just because a task isn't easy doesn't mean it isn't amazing and worthwhile. It's all in how you look at it. Take on this challenge (and yourself) and climb that mountain!

3. On the power of a positive attitude

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." — Helen Keller

Fear paralyzes us. To get moving again, just take one little step, by having a little conviction in what you’re doing. Once you start thinking in a positive light, enthusiasm builds and you’ll soon feel invincible again.

4. On finding the courage to shine bright anyway

"It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to?"— Marianne Williamson

Nothing — but nothing — can stop the power of a positive attitude. So, raise up your spirits, shine brightly, and face what's ahead. Problems become mere obstacles to overcome, grievances convert to minor annoyances or disappear altogether.

A bright attitude at its full positive power helps others see their way through the clouds. A positive attitude amplifies with more effort! So spread the good stuff around.

5. On the importance of believing in your talents

"If we start without confidence, we have already lost half the battle and we bury our talents." — Pope Francis

We each have a unique set of talents, capabilities and our very own style. Yours is phenomenal, and the world is waiting to see it. It takes self-assurance to step out into the world boldly. But if you don’t, no one will see those talents of yours. Don’t bury them!

6. On doing everything "all in"

"Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don’t leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory." — Alan Alda

We have so many options, sometimes too many, and if we’re feeling just a wee bit wobbly, it is tempting to go the easy route and scale back our effort. Don’t do it! If you hold back, now how many chances will you have? Take hold and make the most of each one … just in case another great one presents itself tomorrow!

What matters is that YOU had the guts to put yourself out there. Do more of that!

8. On finding true confidence

"The root of true confidence grows from unconditional friendship with ourselves, to train in gentleness, and to trust in our natural intelligence to navigate life." — Pema Chodron

Swagger and confidence come from the wisdom we gain through our experiences. Every time we put ourselves out in the world, we learn something, and often gain a helpful insight. These accumulations result in a deep self-trust, and an ultimate confidence in our next steps.

What’s not to look forward to?! The future only brings more learning, and potential joy!

9. On embracing "mistakes"

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting." — Buddha

We miss so many opportunities when we give up, some of which we aren’t even aware of! Spend just a minute and consider what you could gain, and what you might lose, by giving up. Don’t give up — wake up and get out there! Can you really argue with Buddha?

10. On the power of a positive mindset

"It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves." — Carl Jung

It’s all relative, isn’t it? There’s always something easier/harder or better/worse than our situation. Why not just choose the best perspective, and shift your thoughts so they work for you?

When you change your perspective, doubt leaves and you open the door fully for all the good of the day to enter. Let the sun shine in!

And remember: "Proverbs are always platitudes until you have personally experienced the truth of them." — Aldous Huxley

So don't just read these quotes ... live into them! Live your life so boldly that you write your own story and craft your own quotes.

Jan L. Bowen is a passionately authentic thought leader who helps clients align their lives so they find more joy and greater connection through articulating and living their purpose. To get Jan’s latest book, "Why Do You Get Up In the Morning? How to Demystify Your Life Purpose," download it now. You will also receive her newsletter, with articles only available by subscription.